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What exactly is a Cluster Headache?
A cluster headache (according to International Headache Society criteria {Cephalgia 2004;24 (Suppl 1)} has to satisfy the following criteria:
1) Severe unilateral headache in the orbital, supraorbital, or temporal region lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours.
2) The frequency of headache must vary between one every other day, up to 8 per day.
3) The headache must be associated with either:
- Lacrimation (eye tearing)
- Nasal congestion
- Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Forehead/facial swelling
- Miosis (small pupil)
- Ptosis (eyelid partially closed)
- Eyelid edema
- Conjunctival injection (redness in the white part of the eye)
- Sense of restlessness or agitation during the headache
4) No other associated disease
Cluster headaches are considered episodic if they come for 7 days to one year apart with at least a 2-week, pain free break. They are considered chronic if they last longer than one year without a 2-week pain-free break.
So what is paroxysmal hemicrania?
Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania is, for all practical purposes, a “cluster-like” headache that responds completely to the drug indocin. Clues that it is paroxysmal hemicrania instead of cluster headaches are:
- The headaches are shorter and tend to occur more frequently.
- Not all of the headaches are severe.
It is important to keep an accurate history of the headaches in order to help Dr. Loftus or your neurologist correctly diagnose the headaches.
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Teena L.(Patient Since 2009)
Dr. Loftus is one of the only doctors I have ever seen that actually sees you at your appointment time. He is never rushed and always takes the time to truly listen to what you have to say. Dr. Loftus is a doctor that does not treat you like his time is more valuable than yours. He is up to date on all current medical information and treatments. He is always willing to work with you to make sure you are getting your prescriptions at the best possible price. Dr. Loftus has not excepted my insurance plan for the past three years, but I still feel the value I get from him is worth the price.
Benjamin W.(Patient Since 2015)
I have used 5-6 neurologists in my lifetime. You are the best. Thanks for all your help. It is appreciated.
Providing headache and hyperhidrosis care & wellness for over 25 years.
Dr. Brian Loftus, M.D.
Dr. Loftus is Board Certified in Headache Medicine as well as Neurology. In private practice since 1994, Dr. Loftus’ practice has gotten busier and he has decided to concentrate his practice in areas that he can make a particular difference compared to other neurologist. Therefore, Dr. Loftus has chosen to focus his neurology practice on headaches & head pain, headaches during pregnancy, and hyperhidrosis. In the spring of 2006, Dr. Loftus relocated his practice from the Texas Medical Center to Bellaire, just 5 miles west. He has been named a Texas Monthly “Super Doctor” and an H Texas magazine “Top Doctor” multiple times.